For Temple, Robby Anderson had a career day with nine catches for 239 yards and his first two collegiate touchdowns. Walker finished 26 for 37 for 293 yards and four TDs, plus 92 yards and a touchdown rushing.

After the Mustangs scored on Traylon Shead’s 11-yard run, the Owls took a 14-7 lead on Anderson’s scoring catches. Walker hit Anderson on a screen pass, and the sophomore raced behind blockers for a 42-yard touchdown. On the next possession, Anderson got behind SMU’s defense to catch an end-around pass from wide receiver Jalen Fitzpatrick for an 83-yard TD.

Gilbert passed for 180 yards in the second quarter but just one touchdown. It was from 19 yards out to Holman 46 seconds before halftime to pull the Mustangs within 28-14.

Three lost fumbles reduced the effectiveness of an SMU offense that gained 338 yards in the first half.

The outlook brightened for the Mustangs in the second half. They stopped Temple on its first possession, and then drove to a touchdown. Gilbert’s pass bounced off of Holman and into the hands of Thompson, who ran in for a 17-yard score.

The Owls came back with a four-play, 67 yard drive which culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run by Walker.

Gilbert brought SMU back again, mostly with his legs. A 53-yard quarterback draw moved the ball in to Temple’s 11. One play later, Gilbert rolled to his right into the end zone from 10 yards out.

The Mustangs came right back, with Gilbert hitting Holman in stride with a deep pass for a 64-yard touchdown. Chase Hover’s extra point tied the game 35-35.

Temple tried a fake punt that failed. The Mustangs took over at the Temple 28 and drove in for Prescott Line’s 2-yard touchdown run and a 42-35 lead.

Walker and the Owls then came back. His 49-yard pass to Anderson set up a 4-yard scoring toss to Kenneth Harper before Sanders’ long kickoff return.